hidden europe 24

Sicilian New Year

by hidden europe

Picture above: Etna in winter (photo © Ollirg / dreamstime.com).

Summary

Snow gathered on Etna on the first of January makes wonderful granita - the perfect antidote to any New Year Day's hangover.

It is a Sicilian tradition to drive on New Year's Day on the road that zigzags up the side of Mount Etna. No matter that red road signs suggest the road is already closed for the winter. Capodanno, the first day of the new year, is a chance for a little Sicilian madness, and crowds spill out from towns and villages around the golfo di Catánia to drive on crowded roads up towards the huge volcano.

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